Leon's Mexican Restaurant Reopened

ICYMI the longtime Saratoga-based Leon's Mexican relocated to Ballston Spa and has officially re-opened its doors. You can now find them in the Carousel Village on Route 50, just a few doors down from Good Morning Cafe. Fantastic breakfast and dinner spots all in one plaza!

Our favorite dish is the signature pork chili verde rolled into a massive burrito; it's meltingly-tender and packed with flavor. Along with the classics, there's a re-vamped menu featuring homemade tamale plates and taqueria-style tacos like this spicy chorizo one.

Here's a peek of Leon's Mexican Menu and weekly specials worth checking out:

• Sundays: 1/2 price off any burritos, including the famous Burro Ranchero as featured on Rachael Ray's $40 A Day. New hours! Closed Sundays and now open on Mondays with $3 draft beer specials.
• Margarita Tuesdays: Buy one, get one house margaritas.
• Wine Wednesdays: All wines (red, white, or sangria) 1/2 price. 
• $2 Taco Thursdays: Featured tacos for only $2 a piece. 
• Keep up with the latest specials by liking their Facebook page

During these winter months, a vibrant and fresh take on Mexican food is just what you need. A margarita or two wouldn't hurt with those winter blues either. For full disclosure, it's somewhat of a family affair but all we do is wine and dine because stuffing our faces with great food is what we do best. 

Hattie's Fried Chicken & Waffles

Brunch is your free pass to scoring fried chicken for breakfast and it doesn't get any better than chicken and waffles at Hattie's Restaurant in Saratoga. As we sat surrounded by pictures of Hattie Gray, the namesake of the establishment, we just couldn't help but feel the love for this beloved Southern fried chicken. Each succulent bite proved how special her recipe is. No wonder it beat Bobby Flay in a Throwdown Battle. 

The moment you break through the crisp shell is a euphoric moment. The contrast of textures and flavors is on point with just the right balance of seasonings. The crunchy batter is speckled with a good dose of fiery pepper and much to my surprise, the meat was so juicy and flavorful thanks to a brine. The waffle takes a backseat to the star of the show but it wouldn't be brunch without it. A swirl of syrup and a dash of hot sauce and you've taken chicken and waffles to another level with bursts of sweet, savory, spicy, and salty notes. But let's face it, the fried chicken is where it's at and it's finger-licking good at Hattie's. 

Cafe Chat L'heureux

Disclaimer: This post will be saturated with photos of adorable fluffy cats. On a recent visit home to Montreal, J and I stopped by Cafe Chat L'Heureux to sip tea with a bunch of furry friends. Modeled after popular hot spots in Korea and Japan, this one is the first of its kind in North America and a mecca for the crazy cat moms and cat dads out there. It's truly a unique experience. 

This particular cafe has nine resident cats, treated like kings and queens with plenty of comfy couches and places to climb and play. In true feline fashion, most like to nap but once in awhile you'll find one or two roaming the space.

Some like to show off impressive tricks. Pictured here, Milady shows off high fives for treats from the cafe owner.

Gustave is passed out hard on this sofa.

The Happy Cat Cafe is human friendly too with a full gourmet menu of sweets, catpuccinos, teas, salads and sandwiches. 

Some of the wait staff can be difficult, preferring cuddles and attention over providing good service.

But you can always count on the sucre du jour. We treated ourselves to a kitty spot of tea and delicious, creamy banana pudding cup. 

Even when they're sleeping, you can't help but squeal over how cute these cats are.

They seem like very happy cats indeed. I think Luna here is smiling.

It's one one of those bucket list items if you ever get a chance to visit Montreal.